News
26 Apr 2023

A rundown of European Commission proposals ahead of the EU elections

While the clock is ticking and the end of the EU Parliament’s term is approaching, many legislative initiatives are still underway at EU level. Ahead of the EU elections in 2024, here is a rundown of what to expect in the coming months:

  • New product priorities for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products: The public consultation is currently ongoing until 12 May 2023 to seek views on the categories of products that should be prioritised in the context of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. A list of priority products is expected to be published in Q1 of 2024.
  • EU taxonomy for sustainable investments: On 5 April 2023, the Commission launched a public consultation on the draft proposal for an Environmental Delegated Act defining technical criteria for the remaining four environmental taxonomy objectives (water and marine resources use and protection; circular economy transition; pollution prevention and control; and the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems). The consultation period is open until 3 May 2023.
  • Waste Framework Directive (WFD): The Commission is expected to publish on 7 June 2023 a proposal for a revision of the Waste Framework Directive, which will exclusively set out targets for reducing food waste and textile waste.
  • Legislative proposal for measures to reduce the release of microplastics in the environment: The Commission is expected to adopt its proposal on 17 May 2023.
  • Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD): During the second or third quarter of this year, it is expected that the Commission will adopt two implementing acts detailing the rules for the calculation and verification of the recycled content targets established under Article 6 of the SUPD.
  • Proposal on a sustainable EU Food System: By the end of 2023, the Commission’s publication on a proposal for a Sustainable EU Food System is also expected.
  • Food Contact Materials (FCM): While originally expected in 2024, the Commission proposal for a revision of EU legislation on Food Contact Materials might be further delayed and is expected for 2025.
  • Revision Reach Regulation: Originally expected for the final quarter of 2023, the Commission will likely delay the revision of the REACH Regulation of one year (to be confirmed).

Stay tuned for additional updates on these important initiatives!